FG Withdraws Criminal Complaint Against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, Reviews Other Aviation-Related Cases | Omohglobalnews

The Federal Government has announced the withdrawal of a criminal complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the passenger involved in an incident aboard an Ibom Air flight on August 10, 2025.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), said the decision followed consultations with key stakeholders in the aviation sector, appeals from well-meaning individuals, and expressions of remorse by the individuals involved.

According to the minister, the Federal Government reviewed recent cases of unruly behaviour at airports, noting that both passengers and airline staff had committed infractions. He emphasised that all parties must acknowledge their own culpability rather than focusing solely on perceived injustices.

ValueJet Case
The minister also addressed the case involving music icon Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as KWAM 1, and ValueJet airline staff. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will reduce KWAM 1’s flight ban to one month and withdraw its criminal complaint against him. He will also work with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol.

ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba will have their licences restored after a one-month suspension, contingent on completing a mandatory professional re-appraisal, the NCAA confirmed.

Ibom Air Case

In Ms. Emmanson’s case, Ibom Air agreed to withdraw its complaint after the passenger expressed remorse in a statement given to police in the presence of her lawyer. The minister confirmed that the Commissioner of Police for the Airport Command and the Police Prosecutor would facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prisons this week.

Keyamo also disclosed that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban imposed on her, with full details to be announced by the association.

Security and Staff Training
Keyamo directed aviation agencies, in collaboration with other relevant government bodies, to commence a retreat next week aimed at retraining aviation security personnel on managing disruptive passengers and defusing tense situations. Airlines will also hold separate sessions focusing on staff conduct towards passengers.

Government’s Position
The minister stressed that the decisions were taken on compassionate grounds and should not be interpreted as political or sentimental. “We take safety and security in the aviation sector very seriously and have decided to draw a line after these clemencies,” he said.

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